BJP's Ravi Landge Takes Helm as Pimpri Chinchwad Mayor After Four-Year Administrative Hiatus
In a landmark development for urban governance, the Pimpri Chinchwad Municipal Corporation (PCMC) concluded nearly four years of administrative rule on Friday by electing its mayor and deputy mayor. The first general body meeting of the newly constituted 128-member house marked a significant transition, with BJP's Ravi Landge, a 41-year-old former standing committee chairperson, elected unopposed as the 27th mayor. This outcome was cemented as no other nominations were filed, reflecting BJP's dominant position in the civic body.
Uncontested Elections and BJP's Commanding Majority
Similarly, BJP corporator Sharmila Babar was declared deputy mayor after her sole rival, Vaishali Kalbhor from the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP), withdrew her nomination. The mayor's post, reserved for the open category, fell to BJP without contest, underscoring the party's clear majority of 84 seats secured in the January 15 election. In contrast, NCP, with 37 seats, found limited scope to challenge the ruling party, highlighting the shifting political dynamics in the region.
Speaking to reporters after his election, Ravi Landge expressed gratitude, stating, "I believe that by entrusting me with the post of mayor, BJP has honoured the struggle of my uncle, the late Ankushrao Landge." He outlined his vision for the city, emphasizing planned, balanced, and citizen-centric growth as the primary objective. "Pimpri Chinchwad is among the country's leading cities in terms of industry, education, and residential development. Priority will be given to strengthening basic civic amenities such as water supply, drainage, roads, transport, healthcare, sanitation, and education," he added, addressing key areas of public concern.
Leadership Appointments and Civic Challenges
Deepak Taware, the officer appointed by the divisional commissioner to oversee the election process, formally declared the results at the meeting. In other leadership appointments, NCP's Bhausaheb Bhoir, a six-time corporator, was elected leader of the opposition, while BJP appointed Prashant Shitole as its group leader. These moves set the stage for governance in a corporation facing pressing issues.
The civic body confronts a host of challenges that demand immediate attention:
- Water Scarcity: The city currently receives water on alternate days, highlighting a critical need for improved supply infrastructure.
- Development Plan Objections: Over 50,000 representations were received regarding the draft development plan, which has been sent to the state government for final approval, indicating widespread public engagement and potential disputes.
- Encroachments and Sluggish Development: Issues such as encroachments on footpaths and slow progress in rapidly expanding areas like Ravet, Kiwale, Punawale, Chikhali, and Moshi pose significant hurdles to urban planning.
Historical Context and Tributes to Ajit Pawar
Pimpri Chinchwad has long been considered a stronghold of the late deputy chief minister Ajit Pawar, under whose leadership the undivided NCP ruled the corporation until 2017, when BJP wrested power. He is widely credited for the city's development, and in a gesture of respect, the newly elected corporators paid tributes to Ajit Pawar, observing a moment of silence in his memory before the house was adjourned till February 20.
The tenure of the previous general body ended in March 2022, with BJP's Usha alias Mai Dhore serving as mayor. Since then, the corporation had been under the charge of the municipal commissioner, who acted as the administrator, marking a period of direct bureaucratic oversight. Established in 1986, PCMC saw Dnyaneshwar Landge as its first mayor, adding historical depth to the current leadership transition.
Broader Civic Elections in Pune Region
In a related development, the Pune Municipal Corporation has convened its first general body meeting at 11 am on February 9 to hold elections for the posts of mayor and deputy mayor. BJP has nominated Manjusha Nagpure for mayor and Parashuram Wadekar (RPI-A) for deputy mayor, while Congress and NCP have also fielded candidates for both positions, indicating competitive dynamics in the neighboring civic body.
Ravi Landge, a two-term corporator elected unopposed from ward 6 in the 2017 and 2026 polls, now steps into a role charged with addressing these multifaceted challenges. His election symbolizes not just a political victory for BJP but a critical juncture for Pimpri Chinchwad's future development, as the city seeks to balance growth with essential civic improvements.
